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Anything for Love #1
What You Desire
Sebastian Ashcroft, the fourth Marquess of Danesfield, had no intention of accompanying Sophie Beaufort on a ludicrous quest to find her missing brother. Nor did he want to be part of the investigation into her brother's dealings with the mysterious Comte de Dampierre.
But desire can do strange things to a man.
Threatened with an indecent proposal from a dissolute French comte, Sophie Beaufort is forced to travel to London to discover the reason behind her brother's mysterious disappearance. Capable of handling her own affairs, the last thing she wants is to be encumbered by the dishonourable Marquess of Danesfield—a man she so desperately wants to hate.
But does love, once blossomed, ever truly fade?
But desire can do strange things to a man.
Threatened with an indecent proposal from a dissolute French comte, Sophie Beaufort is forced to travel to London to discover the reason behind her brother's mysterious disappearance. Capable of handling her own affairs, the last thing she wants is to be encumbered by the dishonourable Marquess of Danesfield—a man she so desperately wants to hate.
But does love, once blossomed, ever truly fade?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
689 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Adele Clee
56 books532 followersAdele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
dnf
September 19, 2022Strong heroine who can think for herself and takes care of herself. ✅
Heroine sees the hero and can no longer form a coherent thought and is immediately ready to give up her virtue. ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
I’m starting a betraying body shelf because this book made me realize how much I need one.
Needless to say, DNF within the first 10%.
Heroine sees the hero and can no longer form a coherent thought and is immediately ready to give up her virtue. ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
I’m starting a betraying body shelf because this book made me realize how much I need one.
Needless to say, DNF within the first 10%.
Want to read
August 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/10/2019)! 🎁
January 2, 2018
This is my 2nd or 3rd favorite in the "Anything for Love" series, of which I have read them all. I loved Sophie and Danes story. I liked that they already knew each other and that Sophie already had feelings for him. I thought Sophie was very relatable, maybe strong willed but enjoyable. I loved how Dane referred to Sophie as his wife so early on even before discussing it with her he knew his own mind. I also liked that Sophie went off to the cottage. It gave Dane time to obsess and miss her. Clee does a good job of writing historical romances without adding much if any history. It's a good strategy so as not to get bombarded with people pointing out any inaccuracies that are rampant in most regency romances. I have read everything published by Adele Clee and one of my favorite things about her is her consistency. I think of her 18 works I've only given two 3-star ratings. The rest are 4s or 5s. So, if you liked this book I would recommend more of her books. This one is my personal favorite. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG.
Romance-5/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
https://bigcomfychair.wordpress.com/
Romance-5/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
https://bigcomfychair.wordpress.com/
March 8, 2017
Mhm.
I guess that was an okay novel.
Characters?
Yeah, they are just so not historically accurate.
Our female main character? She’s way too brazen, too direct, too outgoing for this time period. It’s just too much. Sure she seems to be one of those strong women.
But she’s not if she gives in that easily to temptation. That’s contradicting and so wrong. Plus, at that point she doesn’t even like him and thinks the worst of him, so why?? She’s weak to fall prey to such a libertine.
There were some feminist views in there that I loved, they even talked about early feminists but her actions betrayed that and contradicted all that.
The Marquess?
Yeah, don’t know, he says he’s no rake, no rogue. Well, can’t agree with that. The way he acts towards our lady is not cool, especially when considering she’s his best friend’s little sis.
Plot?
Some suspense, but not really. Didn’t really get me to love what I was reading.
Writing style?
Good, some mistakes, though.
I guess that was an okay novel.
Characters?
Yeah, they are just so not historically accurate.
Our female main character? She’s way too brazen, too direct, too outgoing for this time period. It’s just too much. Sure she seems to be one of those strong women.
But she’s not if she gives in that easily to temptation. That’s contradicting and so wrong. Plus, at that point she doesn’t even like him and thinks the worst of him, so why?? She’s weak to fall prey to such a libertine.
There were some feminist views in there that I loved, they even talked about early feminists but her actions betrayed that and contradicted all that.
The Marquess?
Yeah, don’t know, he says he’s no rake, no rogue. Well, can’t agree with that. The way he acts towards our lady is not cool, especially when considering she’s his best friend’s little sis.
Plot?
Some suspense, but not really. Didn’t really get me to love what I was reading.
Writing style?
Good, some mistakes, though.
May 21, 2023
So this author is way more hit than miss for me. I did not like this. The MMC is just an ass. The FMC crushed on him as a girl and he hurt her feelings. She doesn’t want to like him, but he’s too hot, so she loses all control of her mind and body. I just didn’t feel the connection here. I just had a hard time buying that he liked her. Maybe lust, since she’s grown up, I don’t know. Of course there is the line about “is sex always like this?”and he says it’s never like this. Then we end with the noble idiocy of leaving someone you love, who loves you, for your own good. I hate that. So, this series is not for me. I am going to continue to read this author and just start a different series. I’ve loved the others a lot. I recommend the Ladies of the Order and the Scandal Sheet series by this author. Those are excellent. This one just wasn’t for me.
May 9, 2018
Enjoyable read
Once again Adele writes a great story where the female character is unique and interesting and our male strong and willful. I really love this combination and loved this book.
Once again Adele writes a great story where the female character is unique and interesting and our male strong and willful. I really love this combination and loved this book.
November 8, 2017
I liked the plot idea behind What You Desire, which had all the makings of a great Regency adventure story. However, characterisation let down the book for me. There is no disguising that this is a bodice ripper and, as such, historical accuracy has to have a little leeway. Nevertheless, I found Sophie's behaviour untenable. She seemed to equate strength with petulance and a high libido. That a woman, however independent, who'd been brought up the way she had would act in the manner she does just didn't sit right with me. Likewise, Sebastian stressed often that he's not a rake, but his actions didn't reflect that. It was an enjoyable romp in many ways, but the wild characterisations prevented me from fully immersing myself in the story; it was simply too jarring. If you enjoy the body ripper style of historical fiction and aren't so worried about accurate portrayals of people in that time period, no doubt you'll find something to love in What You Desire. However, if, like me, you prefer accuracy in all aspects of historical fiction, it may be best to approach this work with a little more caution.
October 31, 2017
The first book in the Anything for Love Series.
Our hero is Sebastian Ashcroft the 4th Marquess Of Danesfield , his heroine is Sophie Beaufort a neighbours daughter and sister to his good friend James .
James has passed a necklace to Dane for safe keeping and also the safety of his sister. Due to working abroad Dane has not seen her for many years , she has matured nicely from what he can see , and now she has faked illness to get into his estate and get back the necklace, but why ?
Sophie has always loved Dane , but he never saw her as anything but an annoying child , when her feelings are rekindled, and Dane reciprocates, how will they deal with it , especially whenThe Comte de Dampierre, want both the necklace and her seemingly at any cost .
A wonderful start to a series and so much more to come , Another great series , written with passion and brilliance as always by Adele. X
I chose to submit a review after receiving an Arc copy
Our hero is Sebastian Ashcroft the 4th Marquess Of Danesfield , his heroine is Sophie Beaufort a neighbours daughter and sister to his good friend James .
James has passed a necklace to Dane for safe keeping and also the safety of his sister. Due to working abroad Dane has not seen her for many years , she has matured nicely from what he can see , and now she has faked illness to get into his estate and get back the necklace, but why ?
Sophie has always loved Dane , but he never saw her as anything but an annoying child , when her feelings are rekindled, and Dane reciprocates, how will they deal with it , especially whenThe Comte de Dampierre, want both the necklace and her seemingly at any cost .
A wonderful start to a series and so much more to come , Another great series , written with passion and brilliance as always by Adele. X
I chose to submit a review after receiving an Arc copy
August 14, 2017
A Fun Start to a Historical Romance Series
What You Desire was exactly what I was hoping for - a fun read with a little history and a little steamy-ness. The characters Dane and Sophie are fun to follow. Sophie's willingness to be herself over society norms is expressed in a way that is enjoyable (instead of over the top and obnoxiously like some other authors). The way other characters are developed is done in way in which it enhances the story, while still nicely setting up future books without being overly predictable or cliche. My only complaint (which really isn't a complaint) is that the story is supposed to be in 1820 England, but due to lack of historical details (clothing, specific events) it really could have just as easily taken place in any era. Overall, I look forward to the rest of the series.
What You Desire was exactly what I was hoping for - a fun read with a little history and a little steamy-ness. The characters Dane and Sophie are fun to follow. Sophie's willingness to be herself over society norms is expressed in a way that is enjoyable (instead of over the top and obnoxiously like some other authors). The way other characters are developed is done in way in which it enhances the story, while still nicely setting up future books without being overly predictable or cliche. My only complaint (which really isn't a complaint) is that the story is supposed to be in 1820 England, but due to lack of historical details (clothing, specific events) it really could have just as easily taken place in any era. Overall, I look forward to the rest of the series.
March 29, 2018
Another fabulous book by Adele Clee! I was offered the audio book, but I do have to admit I prefer reading the books myself. It is well done by the narrator who does a great job with each character, changing her voice so you know who is speaking. Overall, a well written book that will keep you wanting more. I definitely recommend it!
August 31, 2017
A very good read
This book was fun to read. Light and witty, the plot and characters were a delight. I thought the descriptions of how the characters felt about being in love as notable.
This book was fun to read. Light and witty, the plot and characters were a delight. I thought the descriptions of how the characters felt about being in love as notable.
September 23, 2017
Desire
Wow! What a good book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book with it's fantastic characters. I didn't want to put this book down, it was so engaging. I enjoyed the wonderful banter between the characters and at times the plot was very intense at times.
Wow! What a good book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book with it's fantastic characters. I didn't want to put this book down, it was so engaging. I enjoyed the wonderful banter between the characters and at times the plot was very intense at times.
July 8, 2016
Adele Clee is always a good read.
August 28, 2016
great read just started reading her she writes good books
December 10, 2016
I received a free ebook from the author.
This is a delightful historical romance story.
This is a delightful historical romance story.
February 8, 2017
This is the second book I've read by this author and I truly enjoy her voice. There is a lot of action and twists and turns in this story. The romance warms my heart. I really enjoyed this book.
May 21, 2017
Sexy historical romance
Well written. If you like a feisty heroine and a sexy hero, a bit of intrigue and action. This book has it all and more. Loved it
Well written. If you like a feisty heroine and a sexy hero, a bit of intrigue and action. This book has it all and more. Loved it
October 1, 2017
Wonderful book
This was a well written wonderful read the characters were refreshing. I really enjoyed reading this . Sophie was fun and independent and I loved Mr. Shandy.
This was a well written wonderful read the characters were refreshing. I really enjoyed reading this . Sophie was fun and independent and I loved Mr. Shandy.
October 4, 2017
3.5 stars
October 19, 2017
Loved it
It was a fantastic story line that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I fell in love with the characters.
It was a fantastic story line that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I fell in love with the characters.
November 4, 2017
A good read
November 15, 2017
A good plot and a full ending plus enough to make you want to read the sequal adult romance
April 19, 2019
It is a great book to read
January 6, 2018
Enjoyed the read. Loved the banter.
September 18, 2017
Tedious. **Minor spoilers**
This is not my first book by Adele Clee, but it's been a while since I read any of her work. When considering this BookBub selection, my memory was that Adele Clee was pretty good because I remembered enjoying her one book that I had read up to this point which was "To Save a Sinner." As a matter of fact, to quote my own review of that book: "I enjoyed it and didn't feel as if either my time or my money was wasted." I wish I could say the same for this book, "What You Desire."
I don't know where this book falls in her catalog of works, but it doesn't read nearly as well as To Save a Sinner." I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about this book that is just awkward, flat, and boring. I really did not care for the main female character Sophie, nor did I find any particular enjoyment in many of the major Regency romance tropes found in this book. For example, Sophie ultimately hates and lusts after the hero, Dane. At about the half way point she decides to have one night of "splendor" in Dane's arms before retiring to the country, never to marry. Further, she decides that the best way to show that she is a strong independent woman is to dress as a man. I have read very few books where the heroine dressing as a man came off as anything other than ridiculous. Finally, in the most over used trope of all after the threats and intrigues are resolved, she yammers on about the idea that she can't possibly marry Dane (even as she is madly in love with him) because: (a) he hasn't said he loves her, (b) she is not socially equal (c) she's too unpredictable and headstrong, (d) he might impinge on her independence, yada, yada, yada. Gag.
I did not find the dialogue between the hero and heroine particularly interesting, humorous, or engaging. I find it hard to take seriously any character who is alternately spitting in anger and sighing in lust from one sentence to the next and both Dane and Sophie are guilty of that. There is some business about a necklace and a missing brother, a brothel madame and a menacing French count. These conflicts are resolved in a scene that might have been written for a TV melodrama. And finally, when the dust settles, the hero realizes his love for Sophie only to find that she's run away for any one or all of the specious reasons noted above.
Bottom line: I found this book tedious and extremely easy to put down. I gave it two stars rather than one because I finished it, by sheer dint of will and because I know the author to be capable of better work. That said, had this been the first work I read by Adele Clee it's highly unlikely I choose anything else by her.
This is not my first book by Adele Clee, but it's been a while since I read any of her work. When considering this BookBub selection, my memory was that Adele Clee was pretty good because I remembered enjoying her one book that I had read up to this point which was "To Save a Sinner." As a matter of fact, to quote my own review of that book: "I enjoyed it and didn't feel as if either my time or my money was wasted." I wish I could say the same for this book, "What You Desire."
I don't know where this book falls in her catalog of works, but it doesn't read nearly as well as To Save a Sinner." I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about this book that is just awkward, flat, and boring. I really did not care for the main female character Sophie, nor did I find any particular enjoyment in many of the major Regency romance tropes found in this book. For example, Sophie ultimately hates and lusts after the hero, Dane. At about the half way point she decides to have one night of "splendor" in Dane's arms before retiring to the country, never to marry. Further, she decides that the best way to show that she is a strong independent woman is to dress as a man. I have read very few books where the heroine dressing as a man came off as anything other than ridiculous. Finally, in the most over used trope of all after the threats and intrigues are resolved, she yammers on about the idea that she can't possibly marry Dane (even as she is madly in love with him) because: (a) he hasn't said he loves her, (b) she is not socially equal (c) she's too unpredictable and headstrong, (d) he might impinge on her independence, yada, yada, yada. Gag.
I did not find the dialogue between the hero and heroine particularly interesting, humorous, or engaging. I find it hard to take seriously any character who is alternately spitting in anger and sighing in lust from one sentence to the next and both Dane and Sophie are guilty of that. There is some business about a necklace and a missing brother, a brothel madame and a menacing French count. These conflicts are resolved in a scene that might have been written for a TV melodrama. And finally, when the dust settles, the hero realizes his love for Sophie only to find that she's run away for any one or all of the specious reasons noted above.
Bottom line: I found this book tedious and extremely easy to put down. I gave it two stars rather than one because I finished it, by sheer dint of will and because I know the author to be capable of better work. That said, had this been the first work I read by Adele Clee it's highly unlikely I choose anything else by her.
January 31, 2022
The only good thing about this book was how short it was.
I could not stand the heroine, she was TSTL. I hate how many authors conflate being a spoiled, reckless, immature, contrary brat with being a strong independent woman. That's not a strong woman, that's just a toddler. Everytime she stated she couldn't get married because she's too headstrong and passionate made me gag. I was initially looking forward to the childhood friends/ enemies to lovers setup, but that was abandoned almost immediately when he kissed her in their first meeting. She did that annoying thing where after a single kiss, she's loses all control and agency and just throws herself at him the rest of the book.
The hero was confusing. He was a pretend rake, that acted exactly like a rake. He was a spy or mercenary or something, it was never really defined. Apparently he was going around France in the middle of the napoleonic wars, which no one brought up. In the end he was your standard alpha type hero.
The plot left me scratching my head as well. I literally had to look online thinking I had missed a book before this one. The author kept introducing characters that seemed like they had in depth backstories that the reader should have known, but nope, just too many characters being introduced too vaguely. The villain was a disappointment as well. He was intimidating and threatening in the beginning and just turned into a whiny baby at the end for no reason. I also didn't understand the final conflict at the end, when all of the sudden the heroine didn't think they could be together because they were from different classes? Where did that come from, I thought her brother was literally the hero's peer? It was clumsy and ruined the end of an already terrible book.
I could not stand the heroine, she was TSTL. I hate how many authors conflate being a spoiled, reckless, immature, contrary brat with being a strong independent woman. That's not a strong woman, that's just a toddler. Everytime she stated she couldn't get married because she's too headstrong and passionate made me gag. I was initially looking forward to the childhood friends/ enemies to lovers setup, but that was abandoned almost immediately when he kissed her in their first meeting. She did that annoying thing where after a single kiss, she's loses all control and agency and just throws herself at him the rest of the book.
The hero was confusing. He was a pretend rake, that acted exactly like a rake. He was a spy or mercenary or something, it was never really defined. Apparently he was going around France in the middle of the napoleonic wars, which no one brought up. In the end he was your standard alpha type hero.
The plot left me scratching my head as well. I literally had to look online thinking I had missed a book before this one. The author kept introducing characters that seemed like they had in depth backstories that the reader should have known, but nope, just too many characters being introduced too vaguely. The villain was a disappointment as well. He was intimidating and threatening in the beginning and just turned into a whiny baby at the end for no reason. I also didn't understand the final conflict at the end, when all of the sudden the heroine didn't think they could be together because they were from different classes? Where did that come from, I thought her brother was literally the hero's peer? It was clumsy and ruined the end of an already terrible book.
May 19, 2018
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book from the very first page right to the last one and it is my humble opinion that this series will outdo all the others by this talented author.
This story is full of love, mischief, an adventure and a few mysteries to be solved. The 'bad' man also shows his cunning and horrid plans for the future of Sophie, our heroine, but Sebastian is determined to keep her safe. And thank goodness for that!
I particularly loved the way both Sophie and Sebastian admitted to their love for each other. That truly was a heartwarming scene.
Mary Phillips has injected an enthusiastic and merry spark into this story with her professional and capable narration.
I eagerly await the next in this series but until then am quite happy to recommend both this story and the audio version of it as totally captivating, clever and entertaining and hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
I requested and received a free copy of the audiobook and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
This story is full of love, mischief, an adventure and a few mysteries to be solved. The 'bad' man also shows his cunning and horrid plans for the future of Sophie, our heroine, but Sebastian is determined to keep her safe. And thank goodness for that!
I particularly loved the way both Sophie and Sebastian admitted to their love for each other. That truly was a heartwarming scene.
Mary Phillips has injected an enthusiastic and merry spark into this story with her professional and capable narration.
I eagerly await the next in this series but until then am quite happy to recommend both this story and the audio version of it as totally captivating, clever and entertaining and hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
I requested and received a free copy of the audiobook and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
October 9, 2017
More than once I thought to stop reading but I managed to last until the end. The romance put me off the story, it was too rushed (I know the heroine had a crush on him for years but still it didn't feel very developed... they meet after not seeing each other for years and bang! Insta-attraction).
I skipped the sex scenes because I honestly didn't care much about their romance.
The story was full of cliches too (one being the virgin who becomes sex bomb within seconds).
Still the story wasn't bad and the writing was fluid. If you want some light historical romance with happy ending and quite likeable characters this book is for you. There are a few surprises and twists in the plot that make the reading interesting enough. If you want some epic story with unforgettable characters and incredible plot twists look somewhere else.
If this is a series I am probably not going to continue (unless they are free as it was this one) but I will surely try more book by this author.
I skipped the sex scenes because I honestly didn't care much about their romance.
The story was full of cliches too (one being the virgin who becomes sex bomb within seconds).
Still the story wasn't bad and the writing was fluid. If you want some light historical romance with happy ending and quite likeable characters this book is for you. There are a few surprises and twists in the plot that make the reading interesting enough. If you want some epic story with unforgettable characters and incredible plot twists look somewhere else.
If this is a series I am probably not going to continue (unless they are free as it was this one) but I will surely try more book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2017
Sophie’s brother had disappeared and she must travel to London to try to figure out what is happening. She can take care of herself but Dane, her brother’s friend, doesn’t agree. Their quest to find Sophie’s brother involves a necklace, a French count and the madam of a high-class brothel. During their adventure Sophie both hates Dane and falls in love with him. Dane lusts after Sophie for most of the book and when he finally realizes that he loves her, she has run away. Ultimately there is a HEA.
I have read several books by Adele Clee and I have enjoyed them all but this was probably my least favorite so far. I enjoy heroines that are strong independent women however, Sophie is a bit much. She is too brazen for the time period during most of the book and then she runs away from Dane at the end which is totally out of character. Dane is smart and sexy but I wasn’t drawn to him at all. I enjoyed the plot but the characters were not my favorites.
I have read several books by Adele Clee and I have enjoyed them all but this was probably my least favorite so far. I enjoy heroines that are strong independent women however, Sophie is a bit much. She is too brazen for the time period during most of the book and then she runs away from Dane at the end which is totally out of character. Dane is smart and sexy but I wasn’t drawn to him at all. I enjoyed the plot but the characters were not my favorites.
November 18, 2020
TSTL h
I've read several books by this author, most of which were pretty good. But this one had a heroine that is just too much. She likes going headlong into danger despite logic showing she wouldn't be safe. While I understand the need to assert herself because of the restrictions placed on women at the time, she doesn't do women a world of good when she's TSTL. That's not even the annoying part. She's supposed to be an innocent but can be very seductive when she wants to. I mean, I don't mind a girl who owns her body. But it's just not something that works in this genre. And what's with her getting so turned on every time there's danger surrounding them. After an encounter, she's so horny, she just needs to get it on. This is a former virgin who has little experience. This happened twice. I couldn't, for the life of me, find this character believable and relatable. So, this ended up a DNF.
I've read several books by this author, most of which were pretty good. But this one had a heroine that is just too much. She likes going headlong into danger despite logic showing she wouldn't be safe. While I understand the need to assert herself because of the restrictions placed on women at the time, she doesn't do women a world of good when she's TSTL. That's not even the annoying part. She's supposed to be an innocent but can be very seductive when she wants to. I mean, I don't mind a girl who owns her body. But it's just not something that works in this genre. And what's with her getting so turned on every time there's danger surrounding them. After an encounter, she's so horny, she just needs to get it on. This is a former virgin who has little experience. This happened twice. I couldn't, for the life of me, find this character believable and relatable. So, this ended up a DNF.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews